Off Season Update

Team Update

The planning for 2011 is coming along good.  We are way ahead of schedule from this point last year which should leave us in a great position for early season.  We have been successful at keeping current sponsors and adding some new ones.  We are very excited about our new sponsors and it will put the team in great position for years to come.  So far we have secured a co-sponsor and a new eye wear sponsor.  I will be announcing these companies in due time.  In the mean time we are waiting to hear on a few others including a clothing and nutrition sponsor.  Thank you to all our current and new sponsors and everyone for staying updated with us.  I hope to bring more good news in the near future.    

UPCross Finals

T. Gauthier Crowned U.P State Champion

While blizzard conditions raged on the front range just miles away, light rain greeted cyclocrossers as they arrived at Marquette’s Tourist Park, site of the 2010 U.P State Cyclocross Championships. Held under the watchful eye of the UPCROSS organizing committee, the championship race also marked the end of the 2010 UPCROSS points series. With series standings tight and double points on the line, attendance was guaranteed to be high and the races competitive.

The long Tourist Park course featured pavement; wooded singletrack; tight, off-camber turns; a soul-sucking sand pit and the hallmark Tourist Park runup along the banks of the Dead River. Though a long course, a kiss-point at midlap ensured plenty of opportunities for cheering and heckling from spectators.

The 2010 U.P. State Champion in the A class is Tyler Gauthier (Culvers Cycling Team/Ishpeming), who caps off a strong season on the road, the mountain bike and now on the cyclocross circuit. Second place went to Aaron Swanson of Ashland, Wisconsin and third to Ryan Tervo (Flyer Cycles/Houghton). Although cries from race fans demanded that that the title stay in the U.P., the UPCROSS trophy left the U.P. and headed off to Wisconsin, firmly in the hands of Aaron Swanson, who finished in the top three of all of the races he contested. Second place in the series went to Tyler Gauthier, while third went to Red Jacket rider Tim Kostner of Houghton.

Story and picture courtesy of www.upcross.net and Chris Schmidt (xmatic)

Iceman Cometh

This is my apologiy for my neglect to report on my last two races of the year.  I will start with the Iceman.

The Iceman ended up being one of my biggest targets of the year.  Especially as the hype grew that more and more elite riders were entering.  The race experienced its deepest and toughest field in history.  On the front line was the current National Champion, 2 past National Champions, 3 past Iceman champions, a Vuelta a Espana stage winner, UCI Pro Road Cyclists, Domestic Pro Road Cyclists, Ore to Shore winners, Chequamegon winners, and the top Pro XCT riders in the country.  I think you get my point.  It was stacked and this was my first chance in my young career to put my ability side by side with the best.  My time and final placing meant nothing to me.  It was all about where I could finish in relevance to the best.

The field was about 90 or so deep.  Knowing this I should have finished my warm-up a bit early and got to the front of the field but I showed up a bit lit and found myself digging my way into about 60th.  The Iceman is all about the start.  It's fast, dangerous, and crucial.  Be in the wrong spot and you could go down, get dropped, and be with the wrong group.  I picked an outside line and just pounded my way up as far as I could.  Around the first corner, with the help of the Lord, I missed a rider sweeping across the field taking out riders like bowling pins.  I swept around into a yard and back to the chase.  Right before the bottle neck I managed to jump into about 30th place.  We went single file down the two rut trail until a couple sand pits showed and those that pre rode, I was one of them, took the hard packed line on the right.  This allowed me to jump up to about 25th place.  Entering the single track the gaps started to open and the gaps become so much more difficult when you are 25 guys back in a MTB race.  As the trail opened back up, with huge red line efforts I was able to rejoin the first group.  Check out the video, you will see me 21 seconds into the video sitting 22nd in the 30 man lead group.  You will notice the small gaps that had to be constantly closed burning many matches to stay with lead guys.  

Visit cyclingdirt.org for more Videos

Staying with the lead group was a goal of mine.  It didn't matter how hard had to work and how many matches I had to burn I was going to stay with this lead group as long as I could.  I managed to ride in about 20th place for 16 minutes until I dangled off the back.  That was until a Bissell rider, Ben Jacques-Maynes, joined me and we pulled the lead group back.  It took a brutal 2 minute effort.  As we rejoined the group I was able to hang for another 16 minutes and this time I was close enough to the front to watch all the big names battle.  It took 34 minutes of riding to burn my match book out.  Riding in 20th place on a group this fast is harder then riding up front.  The gaps are constant and continuous.  The effort it takes to bring them back really wears on you.  The final straw was on one of the first hills of the race.  They all powered up and I had no power to match.  I went to the backup plan and took a slight rest on the pedals until I felt recovered.  It was just enough rest when 2 guys caught me and we worked for just about the remainder of the race.  After a quick recovery I felt incredibly strong and good until the finish line.  Arguably my best legs of the year.

Besides the large and experienced field causing problems the weather lived up to the race name and caused its own.  It had snowed the day before covering the second 1/3 of the race with a fresh 2 inches of snow.

Kalkaska was dry and TC was in OK condition but the middle of the race was epic.  4000 races trekked on the trail before us turning that snow into a tarry mud.  It was a thick, black, peanut buttery mud.  This is where the real gaps formed in the lead group as the front could pick a line and the following riders were at the mercy of our front wheel.

The remainder of the race I either rode by myself or in a group of 2 or 3.  I was sitting 25th with 5k to go and dropped 2 spots when I was forced off my bike with chain suck.  It was either that or chance snapping a chain.  In a group of 3 riders I attacked with 1 to go and was nipped at the line by one rider placing me in 28th place.

I could do nothing but lay on my handle bars at the end of the race.  I had given every ounce of energy to the pedals.  I had finished 10 minutes behind the leaders and 8 minutes behind the chase group.  I now have data to work with as I finished within 10% of the winners.  This early in my MTB career mine and my coach's goal was to finish within 10% of the leaders as we feel that is a close-able gap with hard work.  Doing it in the biggest race of the year berried that drive in my soul to put that hard work in.

Here are a few pictures for evidence of the mud fest we rode in.

Picture courtesy of Chris Gates

    

Checking In

It has been a long time since I have checked in.  I had a really busy November and an end to a great season.  In the next day or two I will be giving race reports on both the Iceman and UPCross Championship.  Both races were good for me.  I was able to compare myself apples to apples against the best in the country in the Iceman and round off my season with a win at the final UPCross.  Check in the next day or two for updates and hopefully I will entertain you with some race reports, end of the season talk, and my direction for next year.

Video Blog 10/25/10

Here is a video blog I recorded on Monday the 25th.  I talk a bit about my ride and it's purpose and whats to to come.  Since Monday I have had a great quality interval day in the most epic weather I've ever ridden in.  It was snowing, sleeting, and raining with 30-40 MPH winds and 45-50 MPH gusts.  I needed to get a quality workout in and I didn't want to wait another day to do it.  It was also good for adapting to riding in terrible weather because you never know what race weather will bring.  After that ride I can officially say I'm ready for what Iceman brings.  We are 8 days out now and both my fitness and adaptation to terrible weather are dialed in!

Pictures of Keweenaw Cup

Pictures are courtesy Chris Schmidt of XMATIC

Keweenaw Cup - Tyler's Race Report

The Keweenaw Cup turns out to be one of the best weekends of the year.  Even though the forest looks like death with every leaf finding the ground it leaves a feeling in the air that cannot be matched.  It is screaming Keweenaw Cup.  The Copper Country in late October is brilliant and I look forward to it every year.

Day 1
I made the 2 hour journey with Tyler J (Gear Grinder) early Saturday morning.  We scored a room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and changed in just enough time to get some warm up in.  The first day was held down town around the pond with a few changes from last year.  They added a few more turns making accelerations crucial.  I missed the hole shot but stayed patient with a 12 lap race on tap and let the leaders come back to me.  The course was not set up for a group and I knew it would be easier if out front so on the back side of the 2nd lap I busted to the front and put in a small dig to make some separation.  Tyler J. jumped on and we created a small gap.  This is just what I wanted so I kept the pressure on until I heard a cannon fire behind me.  I think I might have subconsciously ducked thinking someone was trying to shoot me down.  It was the sound of Tyler J's tire exploding off the rim.  I looked behind and all I could see is a tire wrapping a death grip around his bike.  I hated to see that and do not like when riders experience mechanicals.  With Tyler out because of mechanical I noticed that the next rider, Aaron Swanson, was not around the corner yet.  I quickly reacted with an attack and a hard steady tempo.  I attacked a few more times during the lap and found myself out front.  I never let my guard down and rode hard for the remainder of the race taking revenge on a course that ate me up last year.

Day 2
Our cabin couldn't have worked out any better.  I got a decent nights rest and abused the French coffee press in the morning.  It was then out the door and a quick roll up to the start.  The course was much more open than the day before.  It had about 50% hard packed gravel or golf cart path making it extremely fast and set up to be more like a traditional CX course.  The wind was howling at the top of the hill which may have slowed things down but it added the element of tactics.  There was plenty of speed and wind, not a day set up for a breakaway.  I let the race organize it's self on the first lap or so.  The first 3-4 laps the group was 4-6 strong.  Eventually it worked its way out and Tyler J., Aaron Swanson, and I were out front.  We exchanged pulls every lap or so and with a few laps to go the attacks started.  I tried a time or two with no success until with 2 laps to go an attack was made and as it came back together I countered it.  It created enough room for me to fully commit to riding the next lap at full effort dead into the wind trying to keep the gap.  Aaron and Tyler made me ride hard and smart to earn my 2nd victory of the weekend.  I appreciate good competition and they are great competitors.

I was so happy with my Keweenaw Cup victory I ate my oatmeal in the home made "Keweenaw Cup" this morning.  Thank you to whoever made that!

A full report and pictures will be available soon at www.upcross.net and www.keweenawcup.com          
        

Keweenaw Cup set for 10/23 - 24

The Keweenaw Cup is this weekend and is set up to be better than ever. Its growing popularity is bringing more and more racers up to the Copper Country for racing, food, and fun.  Race organizer Chris Schmidt has done a spectacular job over the years drawing strong competition, designing a euro style race experience, offering great hospitality, and throwing one heck of a party.  Do yourself a favor and join the UPCross Series and the Red Jackets in closing out Copper Harbor for the year.  You can be sure Culvers Racing will be present.  Last one out shut the door!

Wisconsin Off Road Series

It was bitter sweet to be at the final WORS event of the year.  I was so excited to get this one going and give an all out effort but I was also ready for it to be over as the season can wear on you.  Bottom line, doing 11 out of the 12 WORS events has been difficult.  It has taken a lot time, travel, and dedication.  We race against the best mountain bikers in the Midwest arguably the country ever 2 weeks.  It becomes fatiguing both mentally and physically.


Being so new to the series I had no clue what to expect and I set no expectations.  Seems like forever ago but I started at the Comp level.  I raced Iola and Rhinelander in Comp finishing 2nd and 1st overall respectively.  Then I was thrusted into overdrive and racing against the big boys.  What I did not know at the time is I could race with the big boys.  If you would have asked me then I would have been happy with a top 20-25 finish every time.  It was that first Elite race in Wausau that changed the direction of my year.  My first Elite event ever I placed 9th place.  That is a top 10 finish with 6 professionals at the event.  I went from happy to be there to I can compete with these guys.  It changed the way I thought, the way I trained, and the way I rode.  It made me a believer that with hard work I can do this.  


The rest of the year I had a goal to always be top 15-20.  The next race I did and I finished 17th.  With some good upgrade points and two respectable finishes I was now in the overall top 10 standings.  I was shocked, surprised, and any other good feeling you that goes with it.  I was in the top 10 in the Elite class in my first year of competition.  I didn't even have this in my sites 6 weeks ago and now I'm getting call ups behind Brian Matter, Tristan Schouten, Nathan Guerra, Chris Peariso and Darrin Braun.  I had caught the bug and didn't want to lose it.  I wanted to keep that top 10 for the rest of the season.  I knew it meant consistent results, a lot of travel, and hard training days but I was willing.              

The year continued and every 2 weeks it was regular to pack the car on Friday and start driving.  I made it to 11 out of the 12 races.  The only one I missed was because it was a make up from a prior date and I had another raced planned.  The experience I gained at every event cannot be measured by words.  I learned to be racer, how to handle my bike, my body, and my mind.  There is so much more to this sport than the fitness.  You need a strong mind, strong family, a good bike, supportive sponsors, and a bit of good luck.  All this learned and I have so much more to learn.  This first year experience is priceless and I felted honored to learn from a great series and awesome riders.  I can see why this series produces the best of the best and I hope to be there someday.

A year as good as this would not be possible without the following:

• My wife.  My awesome supportive wife, THANK YOU!
• My family.  Support from family is priceless. They were there at almost every race making sure I had what I needed.
• My sponsors.  They make my team possible.  Check them out to the right of my blog.
• George and Ann Neimi.  They were there as much as anyone and I appreciate it.
• My Culvers Racing teammates.  Great mentors and friends.
• Tyler Jenema.  For being a training partner and better yet a great friend.
• My savior Jesus Christ.  He has given me life and blessed me with my abilities.

WORS #12 Wigman

Something felt different about the last WORS event of the year, I had a good feeling.  My legs were feeling good and my mind was in the right place.  Going up against these Pro's is tough and usually leaves me pretty nervous but I wasn't nervous this time, I was excited.  Excited to put the late season training to the test, measure up for next year, end an awesome WORS series, and prove to myself I have what it takes to ride at a high level.

The course was so fun.  It included fast winding single track mostly flat but a couple power climbs.  The most difficult part to it was the roots in about every section of the trail.  It made for a bumpy ride and the single skill I lack was exposed by all the bouncing.  It did not deter my all out all the time strategy.  I was going to give every ounce of effort as long as I could.  The start was competitive with the lead out on an open road finding its way into a bottle neck to start the single track.  I went in about 8th or so and was OK with that for all the jostling that occurred.  Just ahead I could the 2 groups slowly pull away and but at that point there was nothing I could do.  Within 2 minutes of the race I had to change strategy and that's how fast things can happen in MTB.

I rode in the 3rd group for 2 laps until I was slowly dropped.  I ended up with Krayer and he worked hard to get us back up to the group but we never succeeded.  We were caught by 2 other riders and I rode with them for a 1/2 lap or so until I could not keep pace.  I went out so hard on the first 3 laps that I started to pay the price for it on the 4th.  I lost over 1 1/2 minutes on that lap and went into damage control for the 5th lap.  I went as hard as my body would allow it which was about the same speed as the previous lap.  Although not one of my best laps I was able to pull within 6 seconds of 10th place and I worked hard to catch it but just ran out of space.  I came 11th on the day.  I missed payout by 1 position.  I was a bit disapointed about that but I was overall happy with my race.  I went out hard and kept it as long as I could.  One thing that made it so difficult is it seemed everyone was on their game that day.  So many strong guys had great races.  All considered I ended on a great note.

Here is a video blog the night before the race.

       

Video Blog 10/6/10

Here is the premier of my video blog.  I will post videos of training rides and races to give all of you the inside look for the next month as I prepare for the Iceman.  Enjoy!

UP Iron Cross a success for whole team

This past weekend Iron Cross hosted a cyclocross race in connection with the UPCross Series in Old Town Negaunee.  The day was beautiful and it only helped shine on the success of Culvers Racing.  The course was designed by Danny Hill and Glen Lerlie both members of the team.  It is because of work of guys like them that events like this turn out to be so successful.  Although not needed to see the finger prints that Culvers Racing had on this event this race including 3 Culvers Riders.  Tyler Gauthier took home the class "A" hardware on his first try of the season in the UPCross Series.  Below is a brief recap from Tyler:

"This course was awesome today.  It was set up more like a MTB short track so I really felt at home on it.  I used my mountain bike today to take advantage in the technical sections and create gaps in places I knew cross bikes would have to slow.  I went out hard to establish a group but it happens that I created a gap on my own.  I figured why let it go so I continued to keep the pressure on.  I'm very pleased with my win today, especially with what guys I was up against."

A full event recap can be read at the UPCross website.

The team photographer, Straight A Photography, was able to capture the awesomeness of this fall event.

 

WORS #11 Bear Paw - Tyler's Race Report

This past week was the closest WORS venue of the year with a short 2 hour 45 min drive.  It was an awesome weekend of weather and the trees changing made for a scenic ride both to WI and back to the UP.  I made the trip with Tyler J., Team Gear Grinder.  We headed down Saturday afternoon and pre rode the course.  My first thought, this course is could favor me and my ride style.  50% or so two track, hard climbs, and what seemed to always be an elevation gain.  My second thought, this course is bumpy, rooty, rocky, and for the little single track it had it took some smooth handling of the bike which I am still working on perfecting.  

Overall I did not enjoy the course that much.  You were either on fairly rough two track or in single track that was loaded with boulders and roots.  That said I handled it well and made it into a good day.  My goal was to get over the first big hill with the leaders and I was able to do that.  I hung on to the front group through the first single track and my time limit was up.  I hung as long as I could with still being smart about the rest of the race.  I settled back a bit and rode with Scott Cole, Adventure 212, and chased his teammate, Ryan Krayer for the whole first lap.  After no success I continued to stay steady but was eventually caught by Stawicki and Ted Henes.  Stawicki was really riding well and put me under some stress and not far after Ted took over and continued the single track tear.  The guys slowly but surely rode away from me in the single track on the 3rd lap as I knew I could not keep that pace and finish with a good 4th lap.  I rode the whole 4th lap chasing and keeping the pace high to keep people from catching.  I did not catch the guys but I did keep my gap from the guys chasing.  I had a strong 4th lap after struggling on the 3rd and I finished with my best WORS finish of the year, 8th overall.   

     

WORS #10 Treadfast - Tyler's Race Report

It was back on the mountain bike scene this past weekend and it sure felt good.  After 3 weeks off from MTB racing and adding in 1 road race I was ready to get dirty.  The race was in Lake Geneva, WI, about a 5 1/2 hour drive South.  I traveled with Tyler Jenema, from Team Gear Grinder, and we left early Saturday morning giving us plenty of time to pre ride and relax for the evening.

A big change for this weekend was I did not have my parents and wife as a support crew.  I have been very lucky and blessed that they have been able to travel with me to just about every race offering the best race support a racer can ask for.  The challenge, not having them and staying hydrated for over a 2 hour race with no hand offs.  The solution, $50, a helping hand, a trip to Lowes, and 1 hour's time.  With that we were able to make an absolute gem of a bottle dispenser.

We set it up at the top of the ski hill at the end of all the support crews.  It worked perfect!

The race was fun, hard, and hilly.  It was at a small ski hill and they brought you to the top of it 4 times throughout the race.  It had a huge amount of single track and only a few hundred yards of two track between.  The longest portion of two track was the first mile of the course when they have you climb the ski hill 3 times.  After this your opportunity to pass was very limited.  The good thing or bad, I guess it's how you look at it, is I didn't have to pass many people.  The only passing I had to do is on the final lap when we started reaching the back end of the womens and comp races.  Other than that I had an awesome start, putting me as high as 9th at one time, and did not have to pass my competitors.  

The race started up hill and I knew I had to get to the top with the field.  I was feeling good mid hill and decided to just keep on going.  This put me in great position for the remainder of the roll out and the first single track.  I entered the single track 9th and tried to establish myself with the group.  With my single track skills lacking their level of riding I quickly faded.  After the first section Brian Matter came around me and I wanted to see how long I could stick.  Ummmm, maybe 5 seconds.  He is so smooth on that Trek.  The next open section Ryan Krayer came around and took the lead.  We could see a group of 3 riders just ahead including Brian Eppen and I figured Ryan could ride us up to them if I just followed his lead.  I took the gamble and did whatever it took to stay with him.  I managed to keep pace through 2 laps and finally had to make the decision to fall back.  I was riding a bit outside my limit and we were not catching the group ahead.  The increased pace in the first 2 laps put my 3rd lap as a recovery lap.  This allowed one rider, Ted Hanes, to close in on me.  Coming over the climb for the final time I still had a minute or more on him and figured I could hold him off but I felt my energy depleting so I did all I could to stay steady.  Half way through the 4th lap he came around me and I could not muster enough to hold on.  The final 10-15 minutes of the race I dug deep and picked up my pace to hold my 12th place position.  I crossed the line pretty gassed and very pleased with my finish. 

I rode outside my limit for a considerable amount of time and felt good doing it.  It didn't cost me as much as I figured it would and this I'm pleased with.  With every race I'm learning more about racing with the front guys and how my body will respond.  I learned a lot and finished 12th overall in a stacked field of 7 professionals including a 2 time Olympian.  Damn! these WORS races are stacked.

I would like to thank my support crew, PVC pipe bottle dispenser!         

Copper Harbor Fat Tire

Culvers Racing gains another podium.  The crew set out for the 2 day festival at the Copper Harbor Fat Tire this past weekend.  With plenty of activity planned and a new course it lived up to its usual hype.  The course was redesigned this year for a 1 lap 27 mile race changed from it's past version of a 2 lap 24 mile race.  The first half was routed through the usual bumpy and technical single track but the riders were treated to a completely new section of single track for the remainder of the race.  On the starting line for the team was Tom Carpenter, Glen Lerlie, Danny Hill, and Justin Weber.

The race took it's usual hot start up the pavement hill to the first dirt section.  With the lead rider up the road a bit Tom and Aaron Swanson took on the chase.  They worked on the catch for the first half until Tom went off on his own.  He rode the rest of the race by himself.  He had a few mishaps on the way filling his rear tire several times with air.  It cost him a couple minutes on the leader but it held out for him and he finished behind Chris Peariso for a 2nd overall.  Tom was the first amateur to cross the line.

The rest of the team filed in with very respectable positions.  Justin Weber, 13th.  Glen Lerlie, 22nd. Danny Hill, 43rd.      

Cherry Roubaix

What seemed to be an open weekend back in May when I planned the Cherry Roubaix ended up interfering with a MTB race.  Usually this would be a no brainer for me and I would be heading to the MTB race but because I had this pavement ride planned and the family looking forward to it I stuck to my guns and we were all Traverse City bound.

Although not my first choice of racing the weekend turned out to be awesome ending an unbelievable August for me.  I was going into the Roubaix quite tired from the prior races and training week so I had a mind set to just go have fun knowing I could still do well.  I spend a lot of time behind fast guys in the WORS races chasing all the time so this weekend I wanted people to chase me.  I planned to go for sprint points, KOM's, and be the instigator of attacks.

 

Day 1 - Downtown Criterium

The course was new this year and in my opinion better.  It used better streets, had safer corners, and was much faster.  I got to the start line and it quickly reminded me why I love mountain biking.  I wasn't on the line for 10 seconds before I had an official breathing down my back saying, "I should DQ you."  He was saying this because I folded the edge of my number to fit my jersey.  It did not cover the name or number but it did not sit well with him.  He started to fix it for me and kept telling me how I should be DQ'd.  I jokingly said to him, "I guess this is why I mountain bike."  I don't think that sat to well with him because he quickly left my presence and brought over another judge and told her, "You can DQ this guy if you want, he folded his number."  The lady looked at me and said, "Your fine.  I'm not that picky."  My goodness, at least some one was more worried about the race than a number.  Not everyone, but for the most part road racing is made up of a bunch of snobs if you ask me. "Put your number on right, hold your line, pull through, do some work, your wheel sucker. your only cat 3?"  Damn it strap you shoes on, put your helmet on, pin your number, shoot the gun and race.  

Anyhow I guess I should tell you how the race went.  It was a 30 minute + 1 lap.  I sat in the top 10 for the first 5 minutes or so sniffing out the course, finding good lines and good attack points.  The starter rang the bell for a money lap and I had all intentions of getting it.  Coming around the 3rd to last corner, about 1/4 out I pounded the speed out of a corner and nobody even responded.  I kept the pressure on and took the $50 prize with no problem.  There were several more money laps after this and I wanted everyone of them but 1 rider broke not long after the first one and had 100 yard gap on the field so I had no interest pulling the field to him to win another $50.  The win became more important at that time.  With 4 laps remaining I moved up to the front to match any attacks and plan mine.  1/2 a lap before I was roaring to go another ride made a small attack and I matched right away.  I looked behind and we had a small gap.  I yelled to him, "lets make this happen."  We shared pulls for the next 2 laps creating a larger gap.  With 1 to go a rider bridged up.  Coming into the last corners the rider that bridged up came to the front and made a great move around the last corner gapping me just enough to stay away during the sprint. I came flying in for 2nd.  I really wanted the win but was tactically beat.

 

Day 2 - Road Race

4 laps for 52 miles on a pretty hilly course.  For the most part they are rolling hills with no hill being extremely hard, just big enough to make you say "ouch."  My legs didn't feel all that great during my warm up so I had planned on sitting in for as long as it took for my legs to come around.  The first 2 laps were extremely slow and uneventful.  No one really wanted to do the work and the pace showed.  There were times my HR was 120 bpm, thats 2 beats away from my recovery zone!  At some point on the 2nd lap everyone sat up to where one rider that was leading rode away at 16 mph, no joke!  I knew this guy from the day before and he was one of the better riders.  Being that he was alone at 16 mph I went up to him so we could talk with no one else around.  I told him that something had to change and we at least had to shrink the field on this lap.  I had also shared this with Ryan Tervo, a fellow UP rider.  The plan was to get to the back side hills and the 3 of us ride tempo to shed a few bodies.  Coming over the first hill it did exactly that.  Starting up the 2nd one we continued tempo and when we reached the top I told the guys not to let up and keep tempo down the back side.  Approaching the bottom I noticed a gap from the whole field and simply told the 5 guys to keep riding tempo to see if we could keep the gap.  Two more riders bridged up and the 7 of us slowly rode away from the field.  The mission was accomplished and I knew we could finally start racing.  By the finishing climb we had lost 1 guy and at the top of the finishing climb we had lost another.  We were down to 5 with a pretty sizable gap for the last lap.  I could see some of the guys tiring by just riding tempo and I was feeling fine so attempted to keep the pace high.  A couple guys decided to slow down when pulling through and I wanted nothing to do with slowing down.  I pulled through before my turn and kept riding tempo as they tried to recover.  It started to create a gap so they quickly responded and this response ended up dropping 1 more rider.  Now down to 4 we were approaching the KOM hills again where we created the first gap.  My right hamstring started twinging a bit so I knew I wasn't in great shape for an attack so I told myself just stay steady and ride a heavy tempo of both hills.  I started the climb in front and by the top I had created a small gap.  I kept the pressure on down the hill to the base of the next climb and continued tempo.  I had now created an even larger gap and it wasn't what I was expecting.  On the decent I saw 2 rider crest the top and I noticed they stopped pedaling telling me they were tired.  That was my que to make this gap stick.  With 4 or so miles to go I shifted to TT position and rode a pace I knew I could keep.  I noticed one rider trying to bridge so I picked up the pace and pounded every little hill.  I noticed the gap staying the same and knew he was not catching me.  I approached final climb and rode it as if I still had a rider on my wheel.  I came around the last corner and saw my dad, he started to run next to me, and this gave me such an adrenaline rush.  I danced on the pedals to the finish and took every second to enjoy riding to a finish line by myself.  No matter what level you ride on, the feeling of a solo win is quite incredible.  The sense of accomplishment, enjoyment, and excitement rush through your blood.  I wanted to win this bad and I got to cross the line with a subtle fist pump all by my lonesome, exactly how I wanted it.

Straight A Photography

PRESS RELEASE - Cherry Roubaix

PRESS RELEASE 8/30/2010

The land of cherries became the land of podiums for one Culvers Racing member.  Tyler Gauthier was on the start lists for both the Criterium and Road Race at the Cherry Roubaix this past weekend.  The Friday Night Criterium was 30 minutes + 1 lap around the downtown streets of Traverse City.  It was a flat course with several 90 degree turns that proved to be very fast.  Tyler was able to join a 3 man break away with 4 laps remaining to start the weekend with a 2nd place.

Sunday's road race was at the site of the late 1980's State road racing championships.  The route flows through the cherry fields of Leelanau Peninsula.  A rolling course with a hill tip finish set up for 4 lap 52 mile race.  After 2 laps Tyler established a 6 man breakaway until it was cut down to 4.  On the last lap Tyler rode away from his competitors over the hills and stayed away for the victory.  His 1st place on Sunday wrapped up a great weekend for Culvers Racing.     
  

Chasing fast Deer and riding in the reFORESTation

The Great Deer Chase

Courtesy of XMatic

Last week a few of us got together in Calumet to go deer hunting.  To my surprise 58 people came out for the hunt including fellow teammates Tom Carpenter, Justin Weber, and a few Wisco guys, Aaron Swanson, Paul Belknap, and Matt Hudson.  We all met down town and rolled our way into the woods.  Right as we left town 4 of us spotted a deer trotting through the woods so we pursued.  Myself, Tom, Paul, and Matt were up for the challenge and the chase was on.  We chased this damn thing for over 20 miles together.  He ran swiftly right down a groomed trail which was perfect for us being on mountain bikes.  We kept him in sight the whole time but he made us work.  He was a bit of a show off through as he cornered at top speeds and everyone of us crashed at some point trying to match the agility of this, thing, they call Bambi or is Bambo?  22 miles into the race I saw another deer bolt down the road and I chased diligently.  This had to of been Bambo!  The other guys must have decided to keep chasing bambi because before you know it it was just me chasing bambo.  I never did catch that guy/deer but wouldn't you know it he lead me right to downtown Calumet to a bunch of cheering people and they said I was the 1st one back from the hunt.  I guess they like the guy who comes back first.  It was a great hunt and a blast of a time and next year maybe I can catch Bambo and be first back.

WORS Reforestation

After a day of hunting in Calumet I thought it would be nice to visit the forest for a leisure ride.  I found out fast that I showed up to the wrong forest for a leisure ride.  Standing at the trail head were guys like Schouten, Braun, Matter, Guerra, Anderson, and Peariso.  Everyone was planning on doing 3 laps/36 miles.  I said, "What the heck." and joined the party.  The guys didn't want to wait to push the pace so right off the start line the pace was high for the 3 mile roll out.  A long line of us entered the first single track until the elastic broke creating 2 groups.  It was a lead group of 7 or so and a chase group of 5.  The course wasn't terribly hilly but the single track was windy and punchy.  The hills were quick but steep and it took a lot of power, right up my alley.  The single track took every bit of my skill as I learned how to ride better single track following guys like Krayer and Koenig.  Man can they rip!  We went through the first lap with 5 or so and then Koenig started throwing attacks creating small splits.  At one time it was Koenig and Krayer up the road and I had to make the decision to stay or bridge up.  With a violent effort and 2 miles later I caught them and it was 3 of us.  At the start of the 3rd lap we were joined by Seth Lenss and Chris Peariso.  Koenig put in some more attacks and put the group down to 4 and that was followed by an attack by Peariso and he rode solo the rest of the way.  The 3 of us remaining stayed tight and flew through the single track to the finishing stretch.  Krayer attacked from 3rd position and I had nothing to follow.  I rolled in 3rd of that sprint for a 9th overall.

It was a solid weekend of racing for me.  My 1st Elite win of the year and my best finish at the Pro/Elite level for the WORS Series.  It is an awesome way to finish up August and I'm looking forward to finishing out the season strong.  A couple more MTB races and then the start of cross season all in prep for the big show, Iceman Cometh.          

Swift as a deer

Mining Journal Coverage

Mining Gazette Coverage

Thank you to both the Mining Journal and Mining Gazette!

PRESS RELEASE - Deer Chase, WORS and MTU Rondevous

PRESS RELEASE - 8/23/10

Culvers Racing had a great weekend seeking out the podium.  Saturday was the annual Deer Chase in Calumet a 27 mile race in the Swede Town Trails.  The course was different this year with one 27 mile lap and a lot of new single track.  Tyler and Tom rode with the front group until a break at 22 miles.  Tyler rode away with the victory and Tom finished close behind to top off the podium with a 3rd.  Justin Weber also attended finishing 48th.

The following day the team split up as Tom and Justin stayed in the Keweenaw for the inaugural MTU Rondevous and Tyler headed south to Green Bay for the WORS Reforestation.  The Rondevous in new to the UP Calendar and offered rides a change to show off their single track skills on the technical but fun MTU Rec Trails.  Tom established his dominance early riding away with Tyler Jenema.  They shared the load until an unfortunate mechanical breakdown for Tyler Jenema and Tom kept the tempo high and flew to victory.  Justin Weber was close behind with a  5th place.

Down in Green Bay WORS had on the schedule a 36 mile course with open fire roads and punch single track.  The Pro/Elite field was stacked with the main hitters and the pace was high from the beginning.  After the first single track groups were formed and the pace was high. The day went well for Tyler as he finished in the chase group for 9th overall.

Deer Chase Results

MTU Rondevous Results

WORS Results      


     

Courtesy of Xmatic

Courtesy of Xmatic

Courtesy of Xmatic

Ore to Shore - Tyler's Race Report

It's not the best single track (because there is none), it's not the easiest, it's not the best two track, it's not the most climbing, and it's not flat.  For the most part there is nothing special about it but I LOVE THIS RACE!  A big reason could be that its my home race but I think it's just because it's the O2S.  It's 48 miles of epic, power, and gorilla riding.

I started doing this race 5 years ago and every year my goals get higher and the importance grows.  After last years mishap this years race meant more than ever.  It easily marked as the biggest race on my calendar.  I was out for revenge on this course.  I was out to prove to myself that I could finish top 20 and to the rest that a U.P. rider belongs at the top with the best.

A preview of the start list showed that this race was the most competitive of any year.  Showing up to the start line only confirmed that assumption.  The front line included over 5 professionals, 3 past winners, and several runner ups.  Knowing the power that was starting I knew the start was going to be fast and competitive.  My goal was to stay with the leaders for a predetermined amount of time and I achieved my goal.  It set me up in good position going into the power line where the race usually splits and it did.  A fairly large group game through Ishpeming and it didn't split until the sandy rail road grade.  A small stumble by a rider sitting 10 or so let the leaders form a group, not to be seen again.  Riders were quite sporadic through the power line until the swamp when a large group formed.  After the swamp, this year was a 200-300 yard lake 6-12 inches deep which actually sucked the energy and was quite difficult.  Not to mention we came out pretty damn wet.  The race up to the rod and gun was pretty uneventful, just hard riding.

Coming onto North Camp Rd. myself and another rider established a small gap and we continued riding tempo in attempt to lengthen the gap.  It didn't last that long as a group of 5 or so, including the Eppens, we were once again a group.  This wasn't all so bad coming onto 510 road as our group worked well together and I believe lengthen the gap of all chasing riders.  As I mentioned in the above, our group included the Eppens and when riding in a pace line the rider behind is suppose to rest but my gosh following a tandem with riders of their caliber is crazy hard but it kept the pace high.  Approaching 510 hill I was feeling great and the steps didn't bother me at all.  Entering the woods at the top of 510 we went in with 5 riders.  We stayed together until a 9er crew rider made a move on 16K hill.  I was feeling good and was ready for it and jumped the gap. We rode tempo and established a gap a gap that I actually thought was going to stick but coming out of Forestville the group was brought back together.  This was a bit disappointing because I know I just spent a lot of energy riding tempo with the 9er rider.  With that I was still feeling strong but the guys I was with were looking good.  We all came into Gold Eagle Supply parking lot together and the front 2 riders were riding tempo with their heads down and flew past the next turn.  I quickly yelled, "Right," to all other riders and 3 of us made the turn.  I really think if I wouldn't of yelled I would have been the only one to make the turn wrapping up 15th place but I'm all for a fair game and yelled.  My race etiquette will come back to help me some day.

Coming down the stretch the 2 riders I was with were looking fairly strong and I didn't want to chance a sprint with either of them.  I tossed the dice and attacked at the apartments but it only lasted 20 or so seconds.  My effort took a lot out of me and the 9er crew rider took advantage of my attack and countered.  This split us into three down the finishing stretch and it stayed that way for 18th overall.  I was so pleased with this and my goals were achieved.  It was a great moment to share with my family and friends.  I set a goal in the beginning of the year when achieved it's a great feeling.

I truly believe I have the best support crew in the business.  I water hand offs were awesome, the cheering was loud, and energy from family was felt.  I can always count on my family and crew to support me and I can't thank all of you enough.

  

Danny Hill rides to podium at Wausau24

This past weekend marked a new era for the 24 hour of 9 mile.  With the old promoters out and a new group in Wausau24 was created.  Even though it was a new event Danny Hill wasted no time on marking his name on the familiar stomping ground.  9 mile forest is not new to Danny, he has been participating for years doing everything from geared, single speed, 24 hour solo, 12 hour solo, and 24 hour team.

This year he took on the challenge of the 12 hour solo single speed.  With a different course on tap than in prior years it presented much more of a technical challenge.  This was right up his alley, "Very tough course but fun!" said Danny.  It must have been fun because Danny completed 11 laps in 13 hours.  He finished with the same number  laps as the winner but trailed by an hour in time.  He managed to squeak in a crucial 11th lap 18 minutes before the deadline to pull out a 2nd place overall 4 minutes ahead of 3rd.

Congratulations to Danny Hill on his 2nd overall at the 2010 Wausau24.

12 Hour Salsa Solo Single Speed

Place

Total  Laps

Team #

Team Name

Lap  1

Lap  2

Lap  3

Lap  4

Lap  5

Lap  6

Lap  7

Lap  8

Lap  9

Lap  10

Lap  11

Elapsed  Time

1

11

86

Singltrakr

0:52

0:53

0:56

0:58

1:00

1:01

1:05

1:05

1:06

1:30

1:30

12:00:24

2

11

82

Culver'S Racing

1:04

1:00

1:04

1:05

1:06

1:08

1:18

1:15

1:13

1:23

1:18

13:00:13

3

11

87

B.U.S.S.

1:01

1:02

1:07

1:09

1:14

1:10

1:21

1:21

1:08

1:13

1:15

13:04:05

4

9

96

FBR 1

1:20

1:16

1:11

1:13

1:18

1:14

1:37

1:13

1:38

12:05:38

5

8

83

Ride Club/Sss

0:58

0:55

0:56

1:00

1:02

1:09

4:21

1:34

12:00:14

6

8

106

Mark Tierney

1:10

1:05

1:10

1:20

1:19

1:37

1:36

2:39

12:00:17

7

8

88

Gabe Ticho

1:18

1:24

1:19

1:40

1:40

1:36

1:30

1:39

12:09:32

DNF

7

101

Seeley Wheelmen

0:54

0:54

0:55

1:02

0:59

1:09

2:20

08:17:38

DNF

5

89

Jerome Wilson

1:12

1:08

1:52

2:28

1:22

08:05:09

DNF

5

84

Tvb/Tomato Head

1:12

1:09

1:19

1:16

2:14

07:12:36

DNF

4

85

Ekho

1:11

1:09

1:20

3:07

06:49:02